ERIC Number: EJ1043216
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1941-5257
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using Teacher Learning Walks to Build Capacity in a Rural Elementary School: Repurposing a Supervisory Tool
Allen, Ann Sundstrom; Topolka-Jorissen, Kathleen
Professional Development in Education, v40 n5 p822-837 2014
This qualitative methods study examined a rural North Carolina elementary school that implemented teacher learning walks as a method of professional development. Adapted from the practice of principal walkthroughs, teachers followed a protocol for collaboratively observing colleagues' classrooms and reflecting on teaching and learning. The findings presented here address two central questions of the original larger study: what happens within the networks of teachers who engage in learning walks? and what happens to the school culture? Individual teachers felt less professional isolation after several months of using the learning walk process. A more collaborative culture began to develop between and across grade levels from the purposeful increase in reflective dialogue, sharing of instructional practices and direct observation of teaching strategies. Administrators believed that student engagement seemed to be increasing. The findings indicate that principals and teachers who creatively adapt a traditionally individual supervisory practice into a collaborative one can build school capacity for leadership and performance.
Descriptors: Capacity Building, Rural Schools, Elementary School Teachers, Faculty Development, Teacher Collaboration, Networks, Leadership, Learner Engagement, Professional Isolation, Teaching Methods, Observation, Creativity, Teacher Supervision, Principals, Qualitative Research, Assistant Principals
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A